Women in Science: Why Visibility Continues to Suffer

Women in Science: Why Visibility Continues to Suffer

Reports on scientific topics are often male-dominated, as a recent study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) shows. This study of the visibility of women in media reporting on scientific risk topics shows that female scientists are only quoted in 18 percent of cases. The proportion of women in the research fields examined is around 31 percent. This highlights a significant discrepancy between the actual representation of women in science and their media visibility. Despite this underrepresentation, the researchers found no evidence of direct discrimination through journalistic selection routines. Rather, the results show that media visibility depends heavily on hierarchical position, productivity and research influence.

This study is based on the analysis of 4,860 articles from four leading German media that were published between 1995 and 2020. It examines eight science-related risk topics such as Ebola, glyphosate and COVID-19. Around 1,800 scientists were recorded and systematically coded. The results illustrate that women are often less likely to occupy top positions and achieve lower publication and reputation scores. The underrepresentation of female scientists reflects structural inequalities in the science system and shows that journalism not only reflects academic hierarchies, but also reinforces them without actively promoting them.

The leaky pipeline and its consequences

The discrepancy between the number of men and women in science is also reinforced by the phenomenon of the “leaky pipeline”. In Germany, women are now well-educated, but their share of universities declines as they advance up the academic career ladder. According to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the proportion of women by academic career is as follows: 46 percent of doctoral students are women, only 36 percent of postdoctoral candidates, and only 29 percent of professors.

To counteract this, the BMFTR has launched various initiatives. This also includes the female professor program, which serves as a central instrument for promoting equality at universities. The fourth program phase was started in 2023 and runs until 2030 with a funding volume of 320 million euros. Other measures include the 2011 cascade model, which ensures that the proportion of women at each career level is at least equal to the previous level.

Challenges and opportunities for women in science

Despite these advances, the reality is that women in science still face numerous challenges. Historically, they were often systematically ignored and not named. Even now, many women have difficulty finding their voices heard and believed. Professor Elke Wolf from Munich University of Applied Sciences highlights that gender-specific practices and stereotypes disadvantage women in MINT subjects. This perception is described by the term “chilly climate,” which represents an unwelcoming working atmosphere for women in male-dominated fields.

The so-called Mathilda effect shows that the contributions of women in science are often less recognized. This is a historical problem that also affected prominent women scientists such as Lise Meitner and Rosalind Franklin. This also has financial implications: female professors earn on average 660 euros less than their male colleagues at the highest salary level. This shows that despite all the initiatives to promote equality, there is still a lot to be done.

Promoting the visibility and achievements of women in science is crucial to dismantling gender stereotypes. Initiatives such as “Diversity connects” are intended not only to increase equal opportunities, but also to raise awareness of gender-differentiated aspects in research. Scientists like Ylva Götberg, who was recognized as an emerging leader in TIME magazine, are important role models who show that it is worth fighting for your own visibility.

In summary, it can be said that the media visibility of women in science lags far behind their actual numbers. The structural inequalities and disadvantages that women experience in the science system continue to be a challenge that must be overcome. Both education and targeted funding play a key role in the future of science.

For further information on these topics, you can view the reports from KIT, the BMFTR and analyzes on Tagesschau.de: KIT, BMFTR and daily news.